Cockeysville Middle School is a gem in our community, with a warm, welcoming environment inside and out. On May 3, the school was rewarded with the Silver Hammer Award, which is given by Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot in recognition of sound fiscal management and a commitment to a well-maintained building. The only school in Baltimore County to receive this honor, Cockeysville Middle is a terrific example of the connection between effective maintenance and a positive learning environment. Built in 1967 and renovated twice, in 1974 and 2008, Cockeysville Middle is a gleaming, clean and meticulously kept school thanks to the amazing custodial staff of Monta' Barnett, Kevin Covert, Myra Davis, Peggy Hare, Ruth Hill, John Plaine and John Stickles. But Principal Deborah Magness also stressed that keeping Cockeysville Middle looking it's best is a team effort in which all are responsible for maintaining the facility — teachers, students, custodians and parents. The students take pride in keeping things neat and perform such tasks as cleaning up the fields on their own, while some parents beautify the grounds by pulling weeds and planting flowers. Taking care of the small things before they become big all adds up to maintaining an immaculate learning environment. Congratulations to everyone on earing the Silver Hammer Award.
Aidan Fritz, an eighth-grader at St Joseph's School, in Cockeysville, has done it again by winning yet another round of the Optimist International's Oratorical Contest. This time, Aidan was named the overall winner at the district level competition, which was held in Ocean City at the beginning of May. Along with winning a $2,500 scholarship, Aidan will now represent the district and travel to St Louis to compete in the Optimist Oratorical World Championships on June 23 and 24. Best of luck to Aidan as he delivers his passionate, five-minute-long speech on the topic, "How My Best Brings Out the Best in Others", one more time. Nan Sullivan, another eighth-grader at St Joseph's, was also in the top 10 in the district came in second place in the girls division. Congratulations to both on their strong oratorical performances!
St Joseph's School recently held its annual Race For Education, in which all of the school's 250 students participated in a jog-a-thon on April 29. Family and friends sponsored the young runners and a festive day that included cheering crowds; running with the parish priests, Monsignor Rick Hilgartner and the Rev. Carlos Osorio; and a special appearance by Poe, the Ravens mascot, who joined the St Joseph's mascot, Roary. The school surged past its initial goal and raised $42,500, which will be used to upgrade and purchase new technology for the students.